St. Petersburg police are looking for a hit-and-run driver who struck two cyclists riding for charity.
One of the victims was just released from the hospital, and said they were trying to raise money for wounded veterans when they were hit.
“It was like any cyclist’s worst nightmare,” said John Thompson.
Thompson was struck by a hit and run driver this weekend. He has broken ribs and a fractured scapula, and still he feels lucky.
“We’re actually fortunate we didn’t get killed.”
Thompson was riding with other cyclists in a fundraiser Saturday. The ‘ride to recovery’ honor ride raised money for injured veterans. Proceeds go to equipment donated to each healing hero who participates in the events.
Thompson said his group was in the final stretch of the course in St. Petersburg when Thompson and his friend Rebecca went to make a turn on to Pinellas Point Drive. That’s when Thompson said they were struck from behind by a gold Chevy Trailblazer. Rebecca was hit first.
“As my mind was figuring out what that sound was, what I just heard, I got hit. I was violently tossed up in the air, I was on the guy’s hood. He had hit the brakes and i went flying off in to the road and landed on my back,” said Thompson.
St. Pete police say the driver of the Trailblazer then left the scene. Thompson and his friend were taken to the hospital.
“Her wrist is broken in two places and she has a fractured vertebrae, so we’ve got months of recovery ahead of us.”
Thompson wants to see the driver come forward.
“He has impacted two people’s lives.”
Despite what happened, Thompson says he’s proud to have participated in the charity ride. Thompson’s a veteran himself.
St. Petersburg police say they are working to locate that gold Chevy Trailblazer, which they say should have front end damage.